Phl urges China to halt reclamation work on reef

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines strongly urged China to stop reclamation work on a disputed submerged reef within its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

A Navy commander said Thursday that China had started dredging around the disputed Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, signaling Beijing may be preparing to expand its facilities in the area.

“We strongly urge China to desist from its reclamation activities at Panganiban,” the DFA said in a statement. “Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Philippines has exclusive right to authorize construction of artificial islands, installations or other structures in the vicinity of Panganiban Reef.”

China claims the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea where about $5 trillion of ship-borne trade annually.

Beijing has already undertaken reclamation work on six other reefs it occupies in the Spratlys, expanding land mass five-fold, aerial surveillance photos show. Recent images show an airstrip and sea ports.

“China’s reclamation activities constitute a flagrant violation of these rights and increase tensions in the region,” said DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose. He said the activities were a violation of an informal code between China and Southeast Asian states.

China occupied Panganiban Reef in 1995, building makeshift huts, which Beijing claimed provided shelter for fishermen during the monsoon season. But, China later built a garrison in the area, deploying frigates and coast guard ships.